Any submission council staff write on any development is given no more, and no less, consideration than a submission written by the person in the street.

Now, for the first time in very many years, council does have a say over a mining development and it will either allow the mine to go ahead ot not.

The feasibility of the expansion of the Warkworth open-cut rests on Wallaby Scrub Road.

It appears the council controls that road and without council permission to mine, no-one can approve the expansion.

Council has already said no to relinquishing the road twice. Both decisions were a unanimous decision by all councillors.

Department of Planning officials have recommended the mine go ahead. Singleton Council has said the mine can’t have the road.

No doubt the commission hearing into the development will be equally as vocal as the recent Ashton mine hearing and the people of Bulga will be ready to have their say.